Obituaries for November 21, 2024

Ruth W. Lee

SHIPROCK — A memorial service for Ruth W. Lee, 89, of Cove, Arizona, will be held Saturday, Nov. 23, at 11 a.m., in Shiprock. Viewing will take place today, Nov. 21, at the Desert View Funeral Home in Shiprock, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Ruth was born Sept. 6, 1935, in Cove, into the Mą’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass-Jemez Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). Her nálí is Hooghan Łání (Many Hogans); cheii is Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge). She passed away Nov. 12, 2024, in Shiprock.

Ruth began her education in Cove and continued through the 8th grade at Riverside Indian School in Oklahoma. For 41 years, she fed and cared for students at Red Rock Day School in Red Valley, Arizona.

Ruth was a devout Christian, traveler, quilter, hunter, farmer, chef, storyteller, caregiver, and animal lover.

Ruth is survived by her children, Nettie Pelletier, Hattie Lee, Douglas Lee, Jeanette Joe, Rafvin Lee, Colleen Lee, Levoy Lee, and Reba Yazzie; siblings, David Walters, Flora Lee, Lillian Arid, Harry Walters, Louise Benally, Alfred Walters, Hubert Walters, Estella Allen, and John Jr.; and 22 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Ruth is preceded in death by her husband, Harry V. Lee; and daughters, Jennifer Yazzie and Myrtle Lee.

A reception will take place at the Four Corners Community Church Hall following service.

Donations to assist with expenses can be made at http://www.gofundme.com for Ruth W. Lee organized by Vanessa Charles.

Desert View Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

Reginal Begay

COPPERMINE, Ariz. — Graveside service for Reginal Begay, 49, of Tuba City, was held Oct. 17 at the Coppermine cemetery in Coppermine, Arizona.

Reginal was born Aug. 26, 1975, in Page, Arizona, into the Deeshchii’nii (Start of the Red Streak People Clan), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). His nálí is Tł’ízí lání (Many Goats); cheii is Honágháahnii (One-walks-around). He passed away Oct. 13, 2024, in Tuba City.

Reginal graduated from Tuba City High School and earned a bachelor of science degree and secondary education master’s degree from Northern Arizona University.

Reginal taught history at Tuba City High School and Greyhills High School. His students called him Mr. Reggie.

Reginal enjoyed reading history books, watching Star Wars and world history movies, and was a World Wrestling Entertainment fan.

Reginal is survived by his parents, Robert L. Begay and Daisy G. Begay; daughter, Regianne Begay; siblings, Robert C. Begay Jr., Rebekah Osborn, Regina Allison, and Raphael Begay; and grandson, Raiden Paddock.

Pallbearers were Ethan Allison, Shane Allison, Ian Allison, Gus Henry, Clalin Collins, and Quincy Henry.

Honorary pallbearers were Robert L. Begay Sr., Robert C. Begay Jr. and Raphael Begay.

Norvel Owens Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

LeIrvin S. Burns

NAVAJO MOUNTAIN, Ariz. — Graveside service for LeIrvin Sonny Burns, 40, of Navajo Mountain, Arizona, was held Nov. 14 at the Tse Yaa To’ gravesite in Navajo Mountain, with Aaron Tsosie officiating.

LeIrvin was born Dec. 7, 1983, in Tuba City, into the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Kinłichíi’nii (Red House People Clan). His nálí is Bįįh bitoodnii (Deer Spring); cheii is ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People). He passed away Nov. 4, 2024, in Navajo Mountain.

LeIrvin started school at Navajo Mountain Boarding School and attended Grantsville Elementary School in Grantsville, Utah, and Page Middle School in Page, Arizona, graduating from Page High School in 2002. In high school, he did carpentry and made clock cabinets, cutting boards, and chess board games.

After high school, LeIrvin attended Job Corp in Roswell, New Mexico, and studied culinary arts in San Francisco, receiving certificates and a degree in 2006. He worked at Aramark while in high school and followed his uncle working at the power plant in Page. He also worked as a cook at restaurants in Page, and at Wild Horse Pass restaurants.

LeIrvin took care of his disabled girlfriend after a spinal injury and chopped wood, hauled water, and fed livestock to help his disabled mother.

LeIrvin enjoyed playing online mobile games, video games, watching action and sci-fi movies, cooking for his family and friends, and listening to all types of genre of music.

LeIrvin is survived by his girlfriend, Jessica Rose Antonio; parents, Lita Burns and Irvin Burns Sr.; brothers, Leighton Lee Mann Sr., Irvin Sonny Burns Jr. and IrvinLe Sonny Burns; sisters, Carmelita Lee Mann, Emmanda Marie Burns Begay, Irvita Sophia Moore, and IrvinLita Sophia Burns Bryant; and grandmother, Sophie Burns.

LeIrvin is preceded in death by his brother, Murphy Mann; nephew, Ugene Ronin Bryant; maternal grandparents, Betty and Henry Smallcanyon; maternal great-grandmother, Ason Greymountain; and paternal grandfather, Morris Burns.

Pallbearers were Timothy Lester Moore, Schuyler Robert Moore, Morgan Michael Bryant, Renaldo Begay, Heneil Bitsinnie, Wayne Smallcanyon, Fredale Burns, Kobe Huskie, Kevan Jei Smallcanyon, Emmandale Smallcanyon, Peter Yazzie, and Maurice Bahe.

Honorary pallbearers were Irvin Burns Sr., Leighton Lee Mann Sr., Irvin Sonny Burns Jr., and IrvinLe Sonny Burns.
Valley Ridge Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Truman Martin Jr.

LUPTON, Ariz. — Funeral services for Truman Martin Jr., 35, of Burntwater, Arizona, will be held Friday, Nov. 22, at 11 a.m., at the Tse Si Ani Baptist Church in Lupton, Arizona, with Pastor Regan Hawthorne officiating. Burial will follow in Houck, Arizona.

Truman was born Dec. 26, 1988, in Gallup, into the Tó baazhní’ázhí (Two Who Came To the Water Clan), born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). He passed away Nov. 16, 2024, in Manuelito, New Mexico.

Truman enjoyed training horses, riding bulls, roping, and trail riding.

Truman is survived by his sons, Tyner Martin and Wyatt Martin; daughters, Martina Martin and Trumanda Martin; mother, Evelyn Martin; brother, Kendrick Martin; sisters, Heather Martin, Crescentia Martin, Shanet Martin, and Henrietta Leo; and grandparents, Rose and Tom J. Ashley of Burntwater.

Truman is preceded in death by his father, Truman Martin Sr.; aunt, Eva Ashley; uncle, Raymond Ashley; and grandparents, Howard and Lorraine Martin.

Pallbearers will be Loren Penunuri, Kendrick Martin, Marcel Gleason, John Leo, and Patrick Leo.

The honorary pallbearer will be Brandon Ashley.

A reception will take place at Tom Joe Ashley’s residence following services.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Ryan C. Tsingine

FLAGSTAFF — Funeral services for Ryan Cade Tsingine, 34, of Flagstaff, will be held Saturday, Nov. 23, at 9:30 a.m., at the First Southern Baptist Church in Flagstaff. Burial will follow at the Citizens Cemetery in Flagstaff.

Ryan was born March 22, 1990, in Fort Defiance, into the ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan), born for Rabbit/Tobacco (Hopi). His nálí is Hashk’ąą hadzohí (Yucca Fruit-Strung-Out-In-A-Line); cheii is Bįįh bitoodnii (Deer Spring). He passed away Nov. 7, 2024, in Seattle, Washington.

Ryan attended Northern Arizona University and received a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from 2015-18. He pursued his education and received a master’s degree in climate science and solutions from 2019 to 2021.

Ryan worked for NAU at the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals as their research associate, and recently for the Washington State University, Energy Program, as their energy program manager for the Green Transportation Project in Seattle.

Ryan loved the outdoors, hiking, hunting, fishing, playing golf with his family, and helping others throughout the country through his work at NAU and WSU. He also participated in both Hopi and Navajo traditional ceremonies.

Ryan is survived by his parents, Glenn and Candace Tsingine of St. Michaels, Arizona; siblings, Cameron W. Tsingine of Flagstaff, and Danielle (Michael) Tsingine-Chang of Albuquerque; and grandparents, Margaret M. Wilcox of Ganado, Arizona, and Franklin Atcitty of Shiprock.

Ryan is preceded in death by his uncle, Ward Tsingine; grandparents, Pauline N. Tsingine and Byron L. Tsingine Sr.; and grandfather, Norman Wilcox.

Pallbearers will be Cameron W. Tsingine, Tyler Tsingine, Tyson Tsingine, Craig Tsingine, West Begay, Zack Sam, Lucas Machain, and Nolan Tsingine.

Honorary pallbearers will be Andrew Thompson, Dane Yazzie, Michael Lomakema, Gabe Sam, Ethan Lincoln, Daven Klade, Joe Preston, John Calle, Jalen Etcitty, and Koylelen Etcitty.

A reception will take place at El Nathan Ministries (3910 E. El Paso Dr.) in Flagstaff, following services.

Norvel Owens Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Ray J. Chee

GALLUP — Funeral services for Ray Joe Chee, 25, of Church Rock, New Mexico, will be held Friday, Nov. 22, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Pastor Harry Plummer officiating. Burial will follow at the Gallup Cemetery.

Ray was born Dec. 3, 1998, in Gallup, into the Haltsooí (Meadow People Clan), born for Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan). He passed away Nov. 15, 2024, in Gallup.

Ray attended Chooshgai Community School and enjoyed arts and crafts, dancing, and spending time with people he loved.

Ray is survived by his son, Sequoia Chee; daughters, Antoniah Chee and Aaliyah Chee; parents, Maxine Ann Chee and Ray Joe Yazzie; brothers, Delray Yazzie, Raydale Yazzie, Leray Yazzie, Shane Wheeler, and Jeremy Chee; sisters, Yolanda Chee, Bridgette Chee, Raylin Yazzie, Rolanda Chee, Shandiin Wheeler, and Shyanna Wheeler; and grandparents, Nancy Begay of Church Rock, Larry Chee of Twin Lakes, New Mexico, Thelma Yazzie of Mexican Springs, New Mexico, and Ray Joe Yazzie of Mexican Springs.

Ray is preceded in death by Alice and Kenneth Begay of Church Rock; and John Joe Yazzie of Mexican Springs.

Pallbearers will be Delray Yazzie, Leray Yazzie, Ray Yazzie, David James Jr., Treymayne James, and Herman Spencer.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jeremy Chee, Preston Denetclaw, Myron Martin, and Christopher McCork.

A reception will take place at Wowie’s Event Center following services.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Steven E. Begay

LUPTON, Ariz. — Funeral services for Steven Earl Begay, 59, of Sanders, Arizona, will be held Friday, Nov. 22, at 10 a.m., at the Lupton Valley Community Church in Lupton, Arizona, with Rev. Ron Yazzie officiating. Burial will follow at the Green Lawn Cemetery in Farmington.

Steven was born June 29, 1965, in Los Angeles, California, into the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Dibéłzhíní (Black Sheep Clan). His nálí is Kinyaa’áanii; cheii is Dibéłzhíní. He passed away Nov. 6, 2024, in Ganado.

Steven graduated from Valley High School in 1983 and served in the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. He then attended an ironworker program for two years.

Steven worked as a deputy for Apache County and correction officer for the Navajo Nation. He also worked for Navajo Nation DDA Security.

Steven enjoyed playing football and wrestling in high school, fishing, and was a fan of the Washington Commanders.

Steven is survived by his wife, Rena Begay; sons, Craig John Begay, Drake Stephen Begay, Branden Steve Begay, Corey Fred Begay, Derrick Begay, and Nicholas Steven Begay Jr.; daughter, Shavonna Shantel Begay; brothers, Eddie Begay of Waterflow, New Mexico, and Edward J. Begay of Sanders; sisters, Betty Lou Smith of Sanders, Barbara Leo of Sanders, and Irene Yazzie of Show Low, Arizona; grandparents, Bob and Mary Black Platero; and 10 grandchildren.

Steven is preceded in death by his parents, John and Shirley Platero Begay; and brother, Fred Begay.

Pallbearers will be Drake S. Begay, Corey F. Begay, Derrick Begay, Nicholas Begay, Alexander Begay, and Freddie Leo Jr.

Honorary pallbearers will be Craig John Begay, Eddie Begay and Edward Begay.

Green Meadows Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

Peterson A. Begay

CHINLE — Funeral services for Peterson Allen Begay, 49, of Chinle, will be held Monday, Nov. 25, at the Chinle Potters House with Artie Aragon officiating. Burial will follow at the Greasewood community cemetery in Greasewood, Arizona.

Peterson was born Sept. 21, 1975, in Gallup, into the Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Tsénjíkiní (Honey Combed Rock/Cliff Dwellers People Clan). He passed away Nov. 16, 2024, in Greasewood Springs.
Peterson enjoyed fishing and carpentry.

Peterson is survived by his sons, Deshawn Roy Begay and Kadin John Begay; daughter, Kasey Lola Begay; parents, Arlie K. Klade and Peter A. Begay Sr.; stepfather, Roland Yazzie; brothers, Peter Allen Begay Jr. and Rolando Yazzie; sisters, Arlene Thompson, Rolinda Yazzie and Rolucinda Yazzie; grandparents, Alice Lee and Billie Begay; and two grandchildren.

Peterson is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Roy and Esther Klade.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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